Porcelain Crowns in Salford

You might need a porcelain crown for several reasons, including to:

• Protect a weak tooth from breaking or to hold together parts of a cracked tooth
• Restore a broken or severely worn down tooth
• Cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn't a lot of tooth left
• Anchor a dental bridge in place
• Cover a dental implant
• Improve the appearance of a discoloured or misshapen tooth

With proper care, porcelain crowns can last between 5 to 15 years, or even longer. The lifespan of a crown depends on various factors such as oral hygiene practices, personal habits (like grinding or clenching teeth, chewing ice, biting fingernails), and regular dental check-ups.

Porcelain crowns are designed to blend in seamlessly with your natural teeth. The porcelain material can be matched to the colour of your adjacent teeth, making the crown virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth.

Placing a porcelain crown typically requires two dental visits. During the first visit, your dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the tooth surface to fit the crown. An impression of your tooth will be taken to create a custom crown, which is usually made in a dental laboratory. A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while the permanent crown is being made. At the second visit, the temporary crown is removed, and the permanent porcelain crown is adjusted as needed and then cemented into place.

Porcelain crowns do not require any special care beyond good oral hygiene practices. It's important to brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. Although porcelain is durable, it can chip or break under extreme pressure, so avoid chewing hard foods or objects with your crowned tooth.

In some cases, a porcelain crown can be repaired if it's chipped or cracked, depending on the extent of the damage. Minor repairs can often be made without removing the crown. However, if the damage is significant, the crown may need to be replaced.

The process of getting a porcelain crown is usually performed with local anesthesia, so you shouldn't feel any pain during the tooth preparation or crown placement. After the anesthesia wears off, you may experience some mild soreness or sensitivity, which typically subsides within a few days.

The cost of porcelain crowns can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure and geographic location. Generally, porcelain crowns are more expensive than metal or resin crowns due to the material and the craftsmanship involved. Most dental insurance plans provide some coverage for crowns, especially when they are needed for restorative purposes.

For more information on porcelain crowns or to schedule a consultation, please contact our dental practice. Our team is here to assist you in exploring your dental restoration options and ensuring you receive the highest quality care.